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Exploring Life on and Around Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain News, Information, Events and Activities from all around the Lake Champlain Valley of northern New York and Vermont and southern Quebec.
There’s a lot going on around the Lake Champlain Valley and it can be tricky keeping up with different events in the different communities around the Valley. If you’re looking for a calendar of events and activities, you can check out Lake Champlain Life Calendar.
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(Ticonderoga, NY) – Phase two of Fort Ticonderoga’s three-phase master plan is underway as America’s Fort begins to develop new, innovative, and exciting guest experiences. Phase two, the product development phase, kicked off in mid-February as the Fort’s leaders of interpretation, collections, education, management, and board met with PGAV Destinations, the firm developing the destination’s 10-year-master plan, to begin designing new and bold offerings. “Product…
New Nature Snapshot From Butternut Hill Natural Area Have you visited Butternut Hill Natural Area, our newest conserved public area in North Hero, VT, yet? If not, here's a great excuse! Our newest Nature Snapshot series focuses on Butternut Hill Natural Area. These snapshots demonstrate the diversity of wildlife that rely on floodplain forest habitats. Check out the snapshots here, and then hike the trail to see if you can spot any of the featured…
Fort Ticonderoga’s Interpretive Department Grows to Serve Expanding Audience Fort Ticonderoga is excited to announce two new additions to its year-round Interpretive Department staff. Shaun Pekar, Artificer Shoemaker, and Cameron Green, Military Programs Supervisor, recently joined the Fort Ticonderoga Interpretive Department. Stuart Lilie, Fort Ticonderoga’s Director of Interpretation, said “These two individuals bring 18thcentury specific knowledge and broad vision for…
March 12th – At dusk today I left my home with my camera and the puppy to see what was happening with the water. Spring thaw was in full swing and it had been raining most of the day and I had to head out to the Rock River to get some water samples for our study that we have been conducting for the past 3 years. It was still raining when I left the house. I started up the hill from my house in St. Albans toward High Street. Right away I saw water sheeting across the road and down the…
Area Students Advance to New York State History Day Contest Mar 12, 2013 Thirty-seven middle and high school students from the North Country won top prizes at North Country History Day on Saturday, March 9, at Fort Ticonderoga’s Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center. These students will advance to compete at New York State History Day in Cooperstown on April 29. “What a great day!” said Rich Strum, the Fort’s Director of Education, and also serves as North Country Regional…
Champlain National Bank Grant Awarded to Fort Ticonderoga Fort Ticonderoga recently received a grant from Champlain National Bank supporting school outreach programs in several northern New York communities in 2013. “Fort Ticonderoga, recognized as one of America’s most significant historic sites, is the gem of the North Country,” said Joe Shaw, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank. “We are so happy to increase awareness of this tremendous educational resource…
Owl Hoot Hike Success We had an awesome turnout for our Owl Hoot Hike on Friday, March 1st at Niquette Bay State Park in Colchester, VT! We enjoyed a stroll down to Lake Champlain, listened for owls, and one group was lucky enough to hear some owls call back. Thanks to everyone who braved the elements, and a special thank you to Park Ranger Lisa Liotta and Park Supervisor Rob Peterson for allowing us to use the trails after dark. If you were unable…
At last, I can once again get my hands in the dirt and get this new gardening season started! I know what you're thinking, it's winter! But I have to get an early start if I want beautiful, robust plants come planting time in May. I've recieved the Geranium seed I ordered in January, and because they need a long growing time before they are ready to be planted in the garden, I have to sow these seeds now! It's only been 4 days since I sowed the seeds and already they have started…
Shelburne Museum: George Washington Like You've Never Seen Him Before This article by Nancy Ravenel originally appeared on the Shelburne Museum Blog Though Conservation Fellow Josiah Wagener's project primarily involves the conservation treatment of painted folk art, he took some time out to help me out with the photo documentation of one of my projects using a new-to-us technology. We're grateful to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation for funding Josiah's work here at Shelburne…
For Immediate Release For Further Information Contact: February 20, 2013 …
This article originally appeared in the Shelburne Museum Blog LEAP Summer Camps At The Shelburne Museum This Summer Though there's still an undeniable chill in the air around the Museum, we in Education are hard at work planning our 2013 LEAP! (Learn + Play) summer camps. For seven very special weeks this July and August we invite campers ages five to thirteen to discover enchanted creatures, cook on an open hearth, join the circus, sail the high seas, and indulge their creative…
Fort Ticonderoga is pleased to announce a new and immersive overnight program for Boy Scout groups in the fall 2013. “Imagine your troop being able to garrison Fort Ticonderoga overnight!” said the Fort’s Director of Education Rich Strum. “Give your scouts an experience they’ll never forget—a rare chance to spend the night at Fort…
Let's Call Some Owls! Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled, naturalist-led, evening hike in the woods as we learn about owls. The Owl Hoot Hike is scheduled for Friday, March 1st from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at Niquette Bay State Park in Colchester, VT (directions). We suggest you bring a headlamp or flashlight, and please bring weather appropriate clothing as the temperature will drop after dark. Owl Hoot Hike Feel free to bring a snack, and we'll bring…
Easement Protects Over 1,300 Acres In Essex County This Article originally appeared in the Adirondack Almanack The Open Space Institute has announced that a private landowner has donated a conservation easement that will protect a nearly 1,400-acre forest in the northeast corner of the Adirondack Park. The property borders the western shore of Butternut Pond and is bisected by several brooks, most of which feed into Auger Lake, which in turn empties into the Ausable River and eventually…
This article by Sara Woodbury originally appeared on the Shelburne Museum Blog A few months ago, I wrote about a new Pleissner exhibition I’ve been working on, which would feature his watercolor landscapes. Burnside, undated, watercolor on paper. ©Ogden M. Pleissner Pebble Beach Golf Course, ca. 1950-1965, watercolor on paper. ©Ogden M. Pleissner These are two of the paintings I decided to include in my exhibit. A lot has happened…
International Joint Commission - IJC - Flooding Study Nears Completion The International Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Plan of Study Workgroup is nearing completion of a revised version of its plan of study for flood mitigation strategies in the Champlain-Richelieu Valley. In May 2012, the International Joint Commission (IJC) appointed the workgroup to identify specific studies that are necessary to evaluate the causes and impacts of the spring 2011 flooding and to develop appropriate…
Snowshoe Hike at Split Rock Mountain There is something about hiking during the winter. The warm sunshine spilling across the snow, the crunch of snow beneath your boots, and the muffled quiet of the landscape at rest. There wasn't much snow for our January 27th snowshoe hike at Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest, south of Essex, NY, so instead of snowshoeing, we went for a gentle walk through the woods to the Snake Den Harbor Overlook. Along the…
Shelburne Museum: It's winter garden planning time ! The Shelburne Museum and Winter Garden Planning This is the time of year when I take a break and strum up the inspiration to plan the gardens for the upcoming season. Today I have been looking for the perfect red geranium to plant in front of the Vermont House. In just 2 weeks I will be starting these from seed and growing them under grow lights in my office until March. Stay tuned, you can watch as I create life from just a tiny…
Lake Champlain Basin Program - LCBP Speaker Series: This winter, the LCBP Speaker Series - Love the Lake - will serve up another generous helping of fascinating Lake stories, complete with Colleen Hickey's famous desserts. The annual Love the Lake Series kicks off February 21st. The Love the Lake speaker series brings engaging speakers and warm desserts to Grand Isle on Thursday evenings in February and March. February 21: TBD February 28: "Montreal: A Fortified City" by Jean…
This article by Brian swisher first appeared in Below the Surface - the blog of the ECHO Lake Center and Aquarium Are Zebra Mussels Ruining Your Beer In 2006 Greg Noonan, the late founder of Vermont Pub and Brewery in Burlington wrote this about the water the brewery uses to brew its beers: So zebra mussels affect beer brewing? There is another link between aquatic critters and beer other than isinglass? As a home brewer and an aquatic ecologist, I was intrigued by this notion.…
Lake Champlain Ferries fares went up yesterday Lake Champlain Ferries Fares Increased . The Lake Champlain Transportation Company says because of increases in fuel prices, the fuel surcharge will increase from 1.75% to 3.5%. Traveling from both the Grand Isle, Vt. to Plattsburgh, N.Y. and Charlotte, Vt. to Essex, N.Y. ferries, a driver & vehicle <19' would pay $9.50. A passenger would cost $3.75 to ride. Full list of Lake Champlain Ferry Ride Rates. According to the Lake…
Written by Matt Sutkoski Free Press Staff Writer This piece originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press Theme: This year’s award goes to the individual orschool group who demonstrate, through creativity and innovation, how they are reducing their environmental footprint. Who can enter: Any Vermont individual, family or school group. What to do: Make a video of your unique and effective way of reducing your environmental footprint, though recycling, using fewer…
CATS awarded 2012 Destination Award For Promoting the Trails, Hosting Travel Writing Contest, Attracting Visitors to Hike, Explore our Communities and Patronize Local Businesses Great News! Champlain Area Trails was awarded the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Third Annual “Destination Award” for promoting the trails, hosting our Travel Writing Contest, and attracting visitors to hike, explore our communities and patronize local businesses. We thank all our Donors for…
This news release was issued by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department on February 1, 2013 After 17 years, Crosby tract preserves wetlands habitat along Lake Champlain The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and The Nature Conservancy have partnered to conserve a parcel of land that connects two separate units of the Mud Creek Wildlife Management Area and protects a 4-mile contiguous stretch of wetland from Ransoms Bay of Lake Champlain to the Canadian border. The tract also connects…
STRANGE MATTER IS ALL AROUND US On February 9th ECHO opens its newest traveling exhibit, Strange Matter! This is one of the most most interesting and totally hands-on traveling exhibits we've hosted in a while. Strange Matter focuses on the amazing world of materials science or you can say it is all about the science of every day "stuff". What kind of stuff? Well, all kinds of stuff that scientists and engineers use to construct the cool things that make up our world.…
Sharing Memories at the Shelburne Museum The allure of an object is not always its history or value; sometimes we are captivated by an item's power to expose a personal memory stowed away long ago. These recall moments can be as small as a particular smell or as epic as an action that completely changed one's life; we simply cannot argue there is a certain magic to how objects can make us pause and reflect upon our own lives. Over the past couple of weeks I have been…
Crown Point docks to reopen Town taking reservations for Monitor Bay service By LOHR McKINSTRY (originally published in Press-Republican) A state-of-the-art shore retaining wall is now protecting docks and campsites at the Monitor Bay Town Campground on Lake Champlain. The work has been completed, Crown Point Town Supervisor Charles Harrington said. The $285,000 project was partially funded with a $117,500 State Department of State Environmental Protection Fund Act grant. The town…
VT fish hatchery damaged by Irene almost ready BETHEL, Vt. (AP) — The tanks that are normally swarming with fish at the national hatchery in Bethel are empty, but the repairs needed after Tropical Storm Irene flooding inundated the facility are almost done and officials say biologists should be able to start raising fish there again this spring. The tanks that hold the fish, both inside and out, have been scrubbed and disinfected, the electrical system is mostly repaired, the wells that…
Split Rock Snowshoe/Hike This Weekend! The weather is looking good this weekend for our snowshoe/hike at Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest south of Essex, NY! Join us on Sunday, January 27th, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm for a fun-filled, family-friendly, naturalist-led snowshoe/hike in the woods as we look for animal tracks, listen for birds, and admire Lake Champlain from the cliffs. We'll bring cookies to share, but we encourage you to bring…
War of 1812 Concert Jan. 24 in Ticonderoga Dave Ruch will present “The War of 1812 - Songs and Stories from New York and Beyond” Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Ticonderoga Community Building. By Fred Herbst This article originally appeared on Denpubs Ticonderoga — Music from the War of 1812 is coming to Ticonderoga two centuries after battles were fought in the Champlain Valley. Dave Ruch will present “The War of 1812 - Songs and Stories from New…
Additional Land Conserved! Thanks to the generosity of Sally and Bob Knowlton, Lake Champlain is now a little better off. "We couldn't have conserved this land without a partnership with Sally and Bob Knowlton," noted Chris Boget, Executive Director. "It's going to make such a difference to the lakeside forests and bluffs. We are particularly delighted that it includes a diversity of landscapes—open fields, maple forestlands along the lake, and the historic farmstead." The end of 2012…
Fort Ticonderoga Honors Long-Time Employee Fort Ticonderoga honored Peg Shaw recently for her outstanding and long-time service to Fort Ticonderoga as the Museum Store Manager. Staff joined together in thanking Ms. Shaw for her service and commitment to Fort Ticonderoga’s…
This article by Jeff Meyers originally appeared in the Press-Republican Wine-tasting to be featured at Transportation Museum fundraiser A sampling of the region’s finest wines will be available for tasting during an upcoming fundraiser for the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum. The fourth-annual Winter Wine Festival will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, at Legends Bistro at Comfort Inn on Route 3 in Plattsburgh. Proceeds from the event will benefit the museum and its Kids’…
CATS: Animal Tracking Hike: Sat., Jan. 5th ADIRONDACK COAST -Champlain Area Trails(CATS) invites all to start off the new year with an animal tracking hike this Saturday morning, January 5th from 9:30am to 12:30pm at Poke-o-Moonshine's Lost Oak Valley. Outdoor educators Elizabeth Lee and David Thomas Train will lead the hike to identify tracks and discuss how animals survive and even thrive in the North Country's cold and snowy weather. If you plan to participate,…
Fort Ticonderoga Names Volunteer of the Year Fort Ticonderoga recently announced that Sigmund Podlozney of Lowell, Massachusetts, has received the Fort’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Mr. Podlozney earned the honor for his work in the Interpretation Department demonstrating tailoring in the Artificer’s Post and performing 18th-century divine services based on research from period…
This post originally appeared on the Shelburne Museum Blog. What's On in the Winter One of the most frequent questions that Shelburne Museum staff are asked during the winter months, especially at family gatherings and holiday parties, is, "What do you do after the museum closes at the end of October?" We've touched on this topic before--see Paige's post on Remembering the 2011 Season--so this time around I asked the Education Department team to share something surprising or unusual that they…
Port Henry and Moriah, New York have been losing Lake Champlain shoreline to erosion. The Adirondack Park Agency estimates about 25 to 40 feet have been lost since 1995. The town-owned beach and campsite have been severely eroded and both could be completely lost without intervention. On December 19 Governor Andrew Cuomo announced grants from the state to fund stabilization projects. This article by Fred Herbst on the Denpubs.com website gives the details. Moriah, Port Henry get…
Fort Ticonderoga Awards Teacher Scholarships Dec 18, 2012 Fort Ticonderoga has to announced the winners of teacher scholarships for the Third Annual “Material Matters: It’s in the Details” seminar on January 26 & 27, 2013. The winners are: Jennifer Lorenzo, Nyack Middle School, Nyack, New York “Students become very excited when I use an object-based learning approach in my classroom,” said Jennifer Lorenzo, the other scholarship recipient, from Nyack, New…
This article featuring the schedule of events for the celebration of the 200th anniversary celebration of Pike's Cantonment in Plattsburgh originally appeared in the Press-Republican. Campout to mark Pike's Cantonment PLATTSBURGH — The Battle of Plattsburgh Association is planning to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Pike’s Cantonment with family events for everyone. In the summer of 1812, a large army of American soldiers were sent to Northern New York to conduct operations…
What are the mice up to this year? Winter Wonderland Along the Shore- Lake Champlain Land Trust Have you been to see the window display "Winter Wonderland Along the Shore: Celebrating the Magic of Nature" at The Green Life in downtown Burlington yet? We have a special project for kids: check out the window, go in the store, write a short story about what the mice are up to, and be entered to win a free raffle (adults: you can also head into The Green Life to…
Fort Ticonderoga Reports Growth for 2012 Fort Ticonderoga, a not-for-profit educational organization and major tourism destination, reports growth for the 2012 season in both earned income and donations. Paid attendance increased nearly 6% and admissions revenue increased by 18% over 2011. The organization also saw increases in program revenue up by 38% and field trip programs up by 8%. Donations have also risen including a 38% growth in Friends of Fort Ticonderoga memberships and 18% growth…
Scholarships to attend “Material Matters: It’s in the Details” seminar Fort Ticonderoga is pleased to announce that four scholarships are available for teachers to attend the Third Annual “Material Matters: It’s in the Details” seminar January 26 & 27, 2013. This weekend event focuses on the material culture of the 18th century and is intended for collectors, re-enactors, and people with a general interest in learning more about objects of the 18th century and what they can…
LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME FESTIVAL DATES 2013 LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME FESTIVAL CHANGES DATES TO ACCOMMODATE WINGS OVER VERMONT AIR SHOW BURLINGTON, VT—The Lake Champlain Maritime Festival will change dates this year and hold the Festival at Burlington’s Waterfront Park August 16-18, 2013 in order that the free Wings Over Vermont Air Show can take place on August 10 and 11, 2013. The move was made in collaboration with Wings Over Vermont Air Show, Lake…
Curious about M.E. + H.C. apples? Curious about ME + HC?Here’s the story… As the sun sets over the orchard’s rolling hills, our Pruner, weary from a long day tending his trees, spies a glow of scarlet. Fearing an illusion, he wipes his eyes and steps closer. It is a row of fine, young Honeycrisp, an exceptionally sweet, sexy apple variety from Minnesota. Dedicated to his McIntosh and Empire roots, he feels a twinge of guilt, for the Pruner already has his Pride. As bites into the…
Burlington's Church Street Marketplace Lighting Ceremony We officially and joyfully begin the holiday season with a classic rendition of the stage production, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Beautifully costumed and professionally presented, this humorous and delightful performance brightens the eyes of children and gladdens the hearts of young and old alike.Carolers will sing on the Church Street Marketplace prior to the show and all are invited to sing along. The performance…
This month, we are offering 10% discounts on boxes of 12 bottles of 100ml Honeycrisp Ice Ciders purchased from our Farm Market. At $9 each, they are a gorgeous and memorable gift for the holiday!Also this month, pick up a free jar of apple butter with each Farm Market purchase of over $20. Great to eat with cheese and crackers for the holidays, or given with a bow on top! And please remember that you can pick up freshly baked apple or pumpkin pies at the Farm Market. If you’d like…
This post was written by: Elizabeth Nuckols Youth Education SpecialistChange is coming...but it is a good change! During the month of November we are beginning an exciting two-phase transition project on one of ECHO’s most utilized exhibit areas--Discovery Place! This space is so well-used and loved that Champ’s paint is fading, the sailboat is listing, and the dock is in need of repair. It is time for a Discovery Place Makeover! The makeover will be a two-phase project beginning the…
Fall is upon us in the gardens at Shelburne Museum. The change in season has taken its toll, it's time to put the gardens to bed for the season. Museum garden volunteers make quick work of cutting down hostas at Alyssia's Garden. Dahlia's and cannas are dug up and stored for the winter, to be used again next season. In the proper storing conditions, tubers of dahlias and cannas can be stored and enjoyed over and over again for many years. In the Bostwick Garden,…
ECHO: Wine and Chocolate Pairing two of my favorite foods was the motivation for having this wine and chocolate ECHO After Dark event. We celebrated with two events. The first event was a wine and food pairing by Dedalus Wine and Pistou Restaurant just for our ECHO members. A small group of folks were treated to pork bellies, unique sauces and fabulous wine. Members were educated on what pairings worked with certain foods and what pairings should be avoided. Our team was floored that 4 wine…
What kind of animal makes up about one fifth of all mammal species? Here’s a hint: Many of them have a Nose Leaf. Need another? They have wings that are composed of skin that connects their long fingers to their legs. If you said “Bats” you’re right! Bats are incredibly cool animals and the only mammals that can truly fly. . .. It's Bat Week! When we think of Lake Champlain we don’t often think about the bats that live here. But they can be seen in the…
